GAINESVILLE - Gainesville boys soccer enters tonight's region match with Johns Creek on a three-game win streak that includes the program's first penalty-kick win in four years.

Every ounce of confidence and momentum gained during the Red Elephants (8-2, 2-1 Region 7-5A) recent run will need to travel with them tonight as the Gladiators (12-1, 3-0) are not just the top team in the region, but one of the best in the country.

John's Creek is ranked No. 1 in Class 5A and, according to MaxPreps' latest high school boys soccer poll, the best team regardless of class. The Gladiators also come in at No. 14 in United Soccer Coaches national poll, joining fellow Georgians Meadowcreek (3), McIntosh (5), Dalton (7), and Johnson (11) in the Top 15.

The Gladiators are averaging a whopping 4.7 goals per match (62 goals scored overall). Conversely, they've give up just eight goals total, five of those coming in two matches: their only loss to Alpharetta (3-0 decision) and a 7-2 win over Augusta Prep. Johns Creek has shutout its opponents in eight of its 13 games played.

Led by Bryan Turcios (eight goas in 2026) and Abraham Vasquez (seven goals in 2026), Gainesville comes into tonight's match having scored 15 goals total through 10 matches. The Red Elephants split time between two keepers in Marquise Rangel and Logan Gailey and have given up 10 goals with the duo securing four shutouts.

Most recently, Gainesville beat region foe Seckinger 4-0 before winning two during a showcase in Jekyll Island last weekend. A week ago they beat Atlanta International 1-0 (5-4 PKs) before besting Hillgrove on Saturday 4-1.

Johns Creek, winners of eight straight coming into tonight's match, beat Seckinger 6-0 in its most recent match.

Big Red's next home match will be April 2 against Milton; before then they'll face Lanier (3/24), Collins Hill (3/27), and North Gwinnett (3/31).

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